A pro wrestler’s tips on going vegan

You wouldn’t know Austin Aries is a vegan by looking at him. One of the top stars of TNA Impact Wrestling, Aries has been a vegan for a year and a vegetarian for 12 years before that.

Tip of the Week

You wouldn’t know Austin Aries is a vegan by looking at him. One of the top stars of TNA Impact Wrestling, Aries has been a vegan for a year and a vegetarian for 12 years before that.

Aries made the switch for health reasons and animal rights, and wants to help spread the word that one can be fit, muscular, eat right — and be a vegan, if they choose.

He offers tips on how to limit or eliminate animal products from your diet:

• Educate yourself. “I never stop learning and seeking out the newest information on how to make improvements to my diet and fitness routines,” Aries says. Research products, such as natural vegan protein powders and other supplements, online and check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website for more about the health benefits and challenges of a vegan diet.

• Get a variety. Eating a wide variety of plant foods will help make sure you’re getting your needs met as far as protein, vitamins and minerals are concerned. Load up on high-nutrient foods over high-calorie foods, and keep eating healthy fats and complex carbs.

• Spice it up. Aries loves his Vitamix for making vegan food — almost as much as his cabinet full of spices to add robust flavors to meals. But you can spice up your other kitchen gadgets, too. Invest in a rice cooker, which can steam veggies, poach fruit and slow cook soups and beans. “Also, don't overlook the zest of citrus fruits like oranges, limes and lemons to add extra flavor to concoctions,” Aries says.

• Find a favorite. Love ice cream? You can make it vegan in a blender by using two frozen bananas, one tablespoon water and a scoop of chocolate vegan protein powder. What about classic BLTs? Aries makes them over as a “TST” — tempeh bacon, spinach, tomato, Vegenaise (vegan mayonnaise) and avocado on spouted-grain bread. “We're only limited by our creativity when it comes to making tasty plant-based recipes,” Aries says.

You can catch Aries on TNA’s biggest pay-per-view of the year, “Bound For Glory,” on Oct. 20.